New PSU, does it matter if it's ATX 3.0 or 3.1?

[OverDrive]

Hi all,

I am about to rebuild my PC around AM5/9800X3D. I want to upgrade my PSU at the same time. My present PSU is a Seasonic Focus GX Gold 850w.

I would like to go for a 1200w PSU (Gold or Platinum) so that I have overhead for the future.

Does it matter if the PSU is ATX 3.0 or 3.1? My understanding is that the 3.0 uses a 12VHPWR connector on the PSU side and the 3.1 has moved to a 12V-2x6 connector? Does it matter if the PSU has either or non of these connectors? At the moment, I am just using a 12VHPWR adapter that came with my GPU to connect to my PSU. I assume that future NVIDIA GPUs will use 12V-2x6 instead, and adapters will be available?

Any advice or recommendations on the PSU would be appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Tetras]

My understanding is that the 3.0 uses an 12VHPWR connector on the PSU side and the 3.1 has moved to a 12V-2x6 connector? Does it matter if the PSU has either or non of these connectors?

Right now, (if necessary *) all RTX 4000 series come with adapters in the box that allows you to use the old PCIE 8-pins.

We don't know that the RTX 5000 cards will come with them, but I'd be surprised if they don't.

* Note that only GPUs higher than the 4070 non-Super require a 12VHPWR / 12V-2x6, except for the FE cards.

I assume that future NVIDIA GPUs will use 12V-2x6 instead

Likely. There are rumours the 5090 will use 2 of them

Any advice or recommendations on the PSU would be appreciated.

What is your budget? Personally I'd be inclined to keep what you have until you actually need to replace it, because PSUs have gone through quite a few changes lately and need some time to stabilise.

 

[OverDrive]

What is your budget? Personally I'd be inclined to keep what you have until you actually need to replace it, because PSUs have gone through quite a few changes lately and need some time to stabilise.

I am happy to spend up to £250 for the PSU as I see it as a long term investment, especially if it's 1200w. Of course, something good qulity at a lower price would also be very welcome.

It's just that I am rebuilding now and would like to wire in the PSU while i'm swapping mobo etc.

I will move my 4090 over, that currently uses a 12VHPWR adapter.

 

[Tetras]

I am happy to spend up to £250 for the PSU as I see it as a long term investment, especially if it's 1200w. Of course, something good qulity at a lower price would also be very welcome.

If you want stay with a PSU that has a Seasonic origin I'd suggest Antec's HCG Pro (Platinum), they're based on Seasonic's Vertex, but with 2 years less warranty. They don't have 2x 12v2x6 though, if the 5090 does go that way.

 

[hornetstinger]

One option if you have a already have couple of psus is to use two, one for the GPU one for the system. Just need a atx y cable

 

[OverDrive]

Thanks for the replies. I may just keep my Seasonic Focus GX Gold 850w until I next upgrade my GPU. According to PCPP my power draw will increase from 679w to 727w when I move to AM5/9800X3D, so still within bounds for my PSU.

I just thought that as I am changing the platform I may as well get all the work done at the same time.

Thinking about the 50xx series, I guess it's hard to know what to expect from rumors. I understand that the expected power draw for the 5090 will go up to 600w. However, needing 2x 12v2x6 seems overkill. I guess it could be possible, especially if AIB manufacturers require more power with their overclocks. I wonder if possible solutions would be to either have: 1x 12v2x6 connector and then 1x 8-pin 150w connector to allow for some extra headroom? Or the card could have 2x 12v2x6, with one being connected directly to a 12v2x6/12VHPWR header and the other using an adapter to connect to one or more of the 8-pin headers? (for PSUs with only one 12v2x6/12VHPWR at least).

I am assuming 12v2x6 is backwards compatible with 12VHPWR headers on the PSU? (only slightly shorter sensing pins).

I have seen some 2x 12v2x6 are already coming to market. This for example:

NZXT ATX 3.1 C1500 80 Plus Platinum 1500W modular Power Supply

Order NZXT ATX 3.1 C1500 80 Plus Platinum 1500W modular Power Supply now online and benefit from fast delivery.

www.overclockers.co.uk

NZXT C1500 Platinum PSU Review - KitGuru

Today we take a look at a new high end power supply from NZXT, the C1500, which is rated to deliver

www.kitguru.net

Thank you for suggesting the Antec HCG Pro (Platinum). This looks like an excellent PSU too.

 

[Tetras]

I wonder if possible solutions would be to either have: 1x 12v2x6 connector and then 1x 8-pin 150w connector to allow for some extra headroom?

I can't see that, nvidia seem to be connector snobs, so I can't imagine them pairing it with an old 8 pin.

Thanks for the replies. I may just keep my Seasonic Focus GX Gold 850w until I next upgrade my GPU. According to PCPP my power draw will increase from 679w to 727w when I move to AM5/9800X3D, so still within bounds for my PSU.

If your 4090 is stock it won't be using that much, probably below 500 for the system when gaming.

I have seen some 2x 12v2x6 are already coming to market. This for example:

Be quiet dark power pro 1300 is another I'm aware of, though the combined power on both is 800 watts max.

 

[HighlandeR]

Everything will become much clearer next month once the new gpus get announced.

I see lots of "old" 3.0 ATX p/s units suddenly on clearance, check hot uk deals and Corsair refurbs there going for good prices lately.

Id bet even the 3.0 atx ones will be just fine.